Home » Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

Discussion Forum (Archived)

Please consider registering
Guest
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Min search length: 3 characters / Max search length: 84 characters
The forums are currently locked and only available for read only access
sp_TopicIcon
Schm to show disdain
Robert
553 Posts
(Offline)
1
2014/01/15 - 10:34am

As explained here, it is a way to show disdain for an idea by saying it twice, except the 2nd time you impose 'Schm' as prefix or on top of the first consonant:

He sells on eBay now? eBay schmebay !
You hanging out on Facebook now? Facebook schmacebook !

(Often done to humorous effects, it enjoyed some rise of recognition along with the popularity of the Jerry Seinfeld show.)

I know of only 1 other language that has that same kind of expression; but in that, Vietnamese, it is the last diphthong, -iếc:

Nuôi chó nuôi chiếc ! : showing disdain for keeping pet dogs.
Du khách du khiếc ! : showing disdain for tourists.

All that is just to ask the obvious question: Are there many languages that have a similar pattern of usage?

Forum Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
Show Stats
Administrators:
Martha Barnette
Grant Barrett
Moderators:
Grant Barrett
Top Posters:
Newest Members:
Eileen Kosnik
Forum Stats:
Groups: 1
Forums: 1
Topics: 3647
Posts: 18912

 

Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 618
Members: 1267
Moderators: 1
Admins: 2
Most Users Ever Online: 1147
Currently Online:
Guest(s) 37
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)